Another day in Port-au-Prince well spent!
The morning began once more with half of the group involved in VBS prep, while the other half went to the church once more to work on the various construction projects at hand. Benches were stained, built and painted. Progress continued on the chicken coop roof, and walls were built to create rooms in the school on the churh property. In addition, she who love organizing spent several hours organizing the tool shed, making everybody's job a little bit easier. Even though we were not interacting with the Haitians, our morning devotion time reminded us how valuable every contribution is, no matter where it is.
In the mean time, the VBS group chose to tell the story of the Prodigal Son. Their over dramatic performance was well recieved by the children who laughed good-naturedly at our antics. And, today, instead of listening to all of our songs, we were blessed to have the Haitian children sing to us in creole! Some of the songs the team new in English, and the two languaeges bounced off each other between the children and the team. Father Abraham in particular was a huge hit.
The craft team also had a successful day. They led the children in folding and coloring paper hats. Despite attempts to have the children write their own names on their hats, they often wrote the names of the team members. One little girl in particularly continued to insist her name was Tabitha despite all suggestions otherwise.
When VBS had finished for the day, the entire team gathered together to reorganize. Jobs were reassigned as more people came in and some people left to help with the English classes in teh school building. Here, along with members from the Beaverton team, the Americans sat with the Haitians as they learned their directions, then led small groups of two in practicing their new vocabulary. Many of these Haitians came from outside the church community, and members of the team were able to turn a converstaion on "left" and "right" into a conversation of what it means to be a Christian. Isn't it amazing to see how God can work through anything?
We all returned to the base camp for dinner and worship. With the guitar constantly strumming in the background, our song turned into prayer for themembers of our group who had not been feeling well. God came and healed a head ache, changed life through a sore throat, and spoke to another through the various injuries he had in his body. Even pain in a wrist dissapeared, and we didn't even pray for that! Spiritual healing came as well, as team members grew bold enough to step into and share what God spoke in their lives. It is so awesome to see how God will work when the body of Christ chooses to dance in step with him. Even after our official prayer time had closed people gathered in groups of two and three to continue to pray for each other's lives. Tonight became a well spring of testimony for so many people who were healed. It was marvelous.
It is so good to see God work! I ask you to pray that this sense of unity in Christ will continue and that the energy felt at the beginning of the trip will continue. Also, pray for health and protection in the days to come so that we may be prepared for the days that are ahead.
God bless!
-The Haiti Team
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Vacation Bible School, Day One!
Hello again everyone! Wow today was awesome!
We split into two teams, one to plan a vacation Bible school for the afternoon and one to contine the construction work we started yesterday.
The VBS went well. During the planning time in the morning the team thought of different ways to connect to the parable of the Prodigal Son, including writing a worship song in Creole, the main line of which was, "The son came home, now everybody dance!" There was also a craft involving cut out hearts for the kids to draw something or someone they love on. The older kids even ended up getting members of the team to draw for them. There was also a rotation for a game time and another for worship and a skit, which involved a man named Steve and his son, Joey, who after receiving half of his father's money, spent it on bubbles, which earned him friends. But when he couldn't afford any more bubbles all of his friends left him, so he returned home and lo and behold, his father greets him with joy and a celebration is held.
Wow. The team connected so well with the kids during VBS. At one point Emily began drawing giraffes on her heart, and everyone in the room started drawing them as well. We really got to share in the hope that the children have and the unfiltered joy as well. At another point during the day, after the message and worship, the room of about sixty kids of all ages was asked if anyone wanted to ask Jesus into their hearts and the entire room flooded to the front. Praise the Lord!
On the other side of the compound, a few members of the team continued work on the various construction projects we plan on putting a dent into throughout the week. They include building benches for the church, completing the roof of a chicken coop and building shelving and racks for one of the compound's sheds. It was so good to experience getting to provide practical, physical ministry to the people of the area. After VBS finished the other half of the team came over and the work went twice and thrice as fast. Of course, throughout the day there was always a point that tarantulas were being hunted, and that brought a bit of joy (and in some cases fear) to everyone's hearts.
After dinner we transitioned to a time of worship and prayer. We shouted out praises to the Lord for what He has been doing. Worship was powerful and led into prophetic worship for Haiti and the declaration that the people are FREE and that they are not dead but alive because Christ has called them to be alive! We prayed for a few of the Haitians living here at the house, speaking truths into their lives, that they are called to be leaders and that people will follow them in their faith, that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ and that He hears their prayers SO clearly.
We continued to worship and ended the night with declaring that our baggage was left in Seattle. Our baggage isn't even there anymore because it is in the past, it is done and it is FINISHED! Craig, one of the members of the team stationed here, spoke over the fact that there is an attack coming like this place has never seen before, and we immediately went into prayer and a song of worship in Creole titled, "Jehovah is His name," which declared God's presence and might in battle. We ended the night by praying through the armor of God and confirming God's presensce and protection covering us here. In smaller prayer teams chains were BROKEN. Baggage was dropped off and never reclaimed, and instead we claimed FREEDOM. So praise the Lord!
On that note, dear followers, please continue prayers for protection, strength and the breaking of the spirit of fear so that when the time of our battle comes we may stand boldly and know that Christ is fighting for us. Pray for us to be cloaked in love and unity so that nothing can divide us as a team, just as nothing can separate us from His love.
Thank you so much for your continued support.
See you tomorrow!
Haiti Team
We split into two teams, one to plan a vacation Bible school for the afternoon and one to contine the construction work we started yesterday.
The VBS went well. During the planning time in the morning the team thought of different ways to connect to the parable of the Prodigal Son, including writing a worship song in Creole, the main line of which was, "The son came home, now everybody dance!" There was also a craft involving cut out hearts for the kids to draw something or someone they love on. The older kids even ended up getting members of the team to draw for them. There was also a rotation for a game time and another for worship and a skit, which involved a man named Steve and his son, Joey, who after receiving half of his father's money, spent it on bubbles, which earned him friends. But when he couldn't afford any more bubbles all of his friends left him, so he returned home and lo and behold, his father greets him with joy and a celebration is held.
Wow. The team connected so well with the kids during VBS. At one point Emily began drawing giraffes on her heart, and everyone in the room started drawing them as well. We really got to share in the hope that the children have and the unfiltered joy as well. At another point during the day, after the message and worship, the room of about sixty kids of all ages was asked if anyone wanted to ask Jesus into their hearts and the entire room flooded to the front. Praise the Lord!
On the other side of the compound, a few members of the team continued work on the various construction projects we plan on putting a dent into throughout the week. They include building benches for the church, completing the roof of a chicken coop and building shelving and racks for one of the compound's sheds. It was so good to experience getting to provide practical, physical ministry to the people of the area. After VBS finished the other half of the team came over and the work went twice and thrice as fast. Of course, throughout the day there was always a point that tarantulas were being hunted, and that brought a bit of joy (and in some cases fear) to everyone's hearts.
After dinner we transitioned to a time of worship and prayer. We shouted out praises to the Lord for what He has been doing. Worship was powerful and led into prophetic worship for Haiti and the declaration that the people are FREE and that they are not dead but alive because Christ has called them to be alive! We prayed for a few of the Haitians living here at the house, speaking truths into their lives, that they are called to be leaders and that people will follow them in their faith, that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ and that He hears their prayers SO clearly.
We continued to worship and ended the night with declaring that our baggage was left in Seattle. Our baggage isn't even there anymore because it is in the past, it is done and it is FINISHED! Craig, one of the members of the team stationed here, spoke over the fact that there is an attack coming like this place has never seen before, and we immediately went into prayer and a song of worship in Creole titled, "Jehovah is His name," which declared God's presence and might in battle. We ended the night by praying through the armor of God and confirming God's presensce and protection covering us here. In smaller prayer teams chains were BROKEN. Baggage was dropped off and never reclaimed, and instead we claimed FREEDOM. So praise the Lord!
On that note, dear followers, please continue prayers for protection, strength and the breaking of the spirit of fear so that when the time of our battle comes we may stand boldly and know that Christ is fighting for us. Pray for us to be cloaked in love and unity so that nothing can divide us as a team, just as nothing can separate us from His love.
Thank you so much for your continued support.
See you tomorrow!
Haiti Team
Church
In a large, one room building similar to a warehouse, the Haitian people have church. Although we could hardly understand anything that happened, during our nightly debrief everybody shared that the service had affected them. For some, it was the outstanding endurance of the Haitian people to have church for three and a half hours, and maintain an exceptional level of engagement the entire time. Worshiping in an unknown language held particular weight for the team members who had not experienced such a thing before. As one of the speakers said (in English), you may not understand what is happening, but we serve a God who speaks every language.
This is the only Sunday we will attend the service, so we took advantage of the opportunity to perform a worship song. They were particularly excited to see a “pretty lady” playing bass guitar.
Church ended, we had lunch at the base house, and geared up with work gloves and plastic bags to clear litter from the field across the street. All types of garbage could be found scattered amongst the knee high bushes and the grass, cropped close to the ground by the cows, goats, and donkey who called the place home. We were hot and sweaty, of course. But several people sang, and somebody found a Frisbee that helped to keep spirits high.
From there, we went back to the church to work on some construction projects. Cutting, sanding, and staining wood for benches, drilling holes through metal chairs so the seats could be affixed, and assembling saw horses to aid in the labor. And of course, several people were required to entertain the orphan girls who currently live at the church, to keep them out from under foot. Our eager hands accomplished plenty in our time there.
At long last, the day ended with dinner, worship, and devotions. Last night’s early bed time caught everyone up on their sleep, so tonight many of the team stepped outside or onto the balcony to admire the thunder storm. Lightening lights the entire sky, and thunder rumbles over the roof. Even if one steps into the pouring rain, it only takes minutes in the house to dry again, because it is so warm. But, the weather seems to have deterred the mosquitoes-a blessing for those who already find themselves scratching at bites.
Please, pray for our continued health, safety and team unity as we go about our various tasks. For the Haitians, I suggest praying for education. Some team members (myself included) accidently (we thought it was youth group) sat in on a Business Seminar, teaching the Haitian people how to start their own business. So many of them want to move into a better lifestyle, but do not have the know-how. Pray that the seminars and classes truly stick, and help lead these people into a better life.
I think the storm is interfering with the wifi, so who is to say when this post will be posted? But, thank you for your continued prayers and support!
-The Haiti Team (via Rachel)
This is the only Sunday we will attend the service, so we took advantage of the opportunity to perform a worship song. They were particularly excited to see a “pretty lady” playing bass guitar.
Church ended, we had lunch at the base house, and geared up with work gloves and plastic bags to clear litter from the field across the street. All types of garbage could be found scattered amongst the knee high bushes and the grass, cropped close to the ground by the cows, goats, and donkey who called the place home. We were hot and sweaty, of course. But several people sang, and somebody found a Frisbee that helped to keep spirits high.
From there, we went back to the church to work on some construction projects. Cutting, sanding, and staining wood for benches, drilling holes through metal chairs so the seats could be affixed, and assembling saw horses to aid in the labor. And of course, several people were required to entertain the orphan girls who currently live at the church, to keep them out from under foot. Our eager hands accomplished plenty in our time there.
At long last, the day ended with dinner, worship, and devotions. Last night’s early bed time caught everyone up on their sleep, so tonight many of the team stepped outside or onto the balcony to admire the thunder storm. Lightening lights the entire sky, and thunder rumbles over the roof. Even if one steps into the pouring rain, it only takes minutes in the house to dry again, because it is so warm. But, the weather seems to have deterred the mosquitoes-a blessing for those who already find themselves scratching at bites.
Please, pray for our continued health, safety and team unity as we go about our various tasks. For the Haitians, I suggest praying for education. Some team members (myself included) accidently (we thought it was youth group) sat in on a Business Seminar, teaching the Haitian people how to start their own business. So many of them want to move into a better lifestyle, but do not have the know-how. Pray that the seminars and classes truly stick, and help lead these people into a better life.
I think the storm is interfering with the wifi, so who is to say when this post will be posted? But, thank you for your continued prayers and support!
-The Haiti Team (via Rachel)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The Arrival
Here we are, it's March 24th. The team arrived safely--no lost baggage, no hold ups in customs-- it all went smoothly. After getting a miniature tour of the Foursquare base and getting settled in, we had a miniature worship session and a couple hours of needed rest time. Then we hopped in a tap-tap and minivan and visited the orphanage currently being constructed by the Foursquare mission teams.
There we met with Mama, who lives in a tent with her family near the orphanage. Last night her tent flooded and she had to leave to sleep in the church, but when we saw them today they displayed nothing but pure joy, which was inspirational and encouraging.
From there we headed back to the church by the base and toured the grounds. The church is currently working on several projects to improve the Haitians' ability to provide for themselves. There was a chicken coop, a Tilapia tank, an eventual (planned) hydroplanic garden, and a bakery, as well as developing a tradeschool.
The bakery itself has an interesting story. The head pastor of Foursquare Haiti envisioned the people of Port-au-Prince coming and worshiping the Lord and dwelling with him, but with that came the realization that they couldn't do so if they were hungry. The bakery project will work to feed those coming in to the church, but will also help earn money through selling the bread they make. The distribution center is also used to hand out manna, a rice-based food high in protein. Continued prayers for the provision for the manna would be greatly appreciated, as last year's crop loss makes resources hard to come by.
Then it was back to the base for a few minutes of rest, dinner, and a devotional time. Our fearless, acrobatic leader Dan shared words he had received for each of the women, and is going to share words for the men when we aren't bent over from exhaustion. With that, we look forward to tomorrow. Thank you for your continued prayers! We are excited for church tomorrow with our Haitian brothers and sisters.
-Haiti Team =)
There we met with Mama, who lives in a tent with her family near the orphanage. Last night her tent flooded and she had to leave to sleep in the church, but when we saw them today they displayed nothing but pure joy, which was inspirational and encouraging.
From there we headed back to the church by the base and toured the grounds. The church is currently working on several projects to improve the Haitians' ability to provide for themselves. There was a chicken coop, a Tilapia tank, an eventual (planned) hydroplanic garden, and a bakery, as well as developing a tradeschool.
The bakery itself has an interesting story. The head pastor of Foursquare Haiti envisioned the people of Port-au-Prince coming and worshiping the Lord and dwelling with him, but with that came the realization that they couldn't do so if they were hungry. The bakery project will work to feed those coming in to the church, but will also help earn money through selling the bread they make. The distribution center is also used to hand out manna, a rice-based food high in protein. Continued prayers for the provision for the manna would be greatly appreciated, as last year's crop loss makes resources hard to come by.
Then it was back to the base for a few minutes of rest, dinner, and a devotional time. Our fearless, acrobatic leader Dan shared words he had received for each of the women, and is going to share words for the men when we aren't bent over from exhaustion. With that, we look forward to tomorrow. Thank you for your continued prayers! We are excited for church tomorrow with our Haitian brothers and sisters.
-Haiti Team =)
Friday, March 23, 2012
Safe in Miami
Hello our faithful followers!
Thank you for your prayers!
We have made it to Miami and are at the hotel for the night!
We head to Port-au-Prince in the morning!
God Bless!
Thank you for your prayers!
We have made it to Miami and are at the hotel for the night!
We head to Port-au-Prince in the morning!
God Bless!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Hey all! My name is Kirsten and I'm going to be heading up the prayer team for Ignite and partnering with PSCC while the team is down in Haiti. God has been SO good and blessing all of the team members with his revelation and giving us a growing heart for Haiti. Something that he revealed to me a couple of weeks ago in church was that he is going to do EXTRAordinary things through ordinary people. "The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and john, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognizd them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say." Acts 4:13-14. In these verses I really felt the Lord telling me that there will be nothing ordinary about this trip to Haiti. The song "Open up the Sky" is what really inspired this as well. When they say that "we won't be satisfied by anything ordinary, we won't be satisfied at all," I felt that we SHOULD expect more than the ordinary when we're talking about God. Of course he's going to bring it in so many incredible ways and it will be SO GOOD! God is going to meet the team down in Haiti in a big way this spring, and I am so excited to be able to pray for them and to hear about all of the EXTRAordinary works he does down there! Please keep praying with us as we prepare our hearts to align with God's and for the Lord to prepare the way. Thank you and God bless!
Friday, February 3, 2012
A story of God's provision!
So, my sister Morgan sent me this e-mail yesterday!
God is good! Though many of us are struggling in getting in the finances the LORD is always faithful to provide! (...and he can be pretty sneaky about it too!)
"So I want to share a testimony of God's love and always-being-with-us-ness!
God is good! Though many of us are struggling in getting in the finances the LORD is always faithful to provide! (...and he can be pretty sneaky about it too!)
"So I want to share a testimony of God's love and always-being-with-us-ness!
Monday morning was the start of second semester, and I got to school, picked up my schedule, and then went to Mrs. MacPhee's class (she's great!) and sat down and people were talking and it was a normal, casual start of class and MacPhee was walking around talking attendance and someone came in and gave her an envelope and she passed it to me and it had my name and my classroom written on it by someone in the office. I didn't really have any idea what it would be besides a book-fine warning or something, so I started opening it and there was money inside and a little note written with super beautiful cursive that said "Thanks for all you do! Don't look too hard into who gave you this!!". There was $100 dollars inside, which fully paid for the rest of the deposit that was due on the 28th (I still owed $70)! WOAH. When God says He will provide, things happen!
Pure and holy God... no one could ever love us like He does!!
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!"
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